Pump apparatus

ABSTRACT

Pump apparatus comprising a base having a forward end region and a rearward end region with a longitudinal axis extending in a direction between the forward and rearward end region, a power unit and a reel assembly operatively mounted to the base, the reel assembly including a reel mounted for rotation about a rotation axis which extends laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, a fluid conveying conduit operatively carried by the reel and adapted to be wound on, or payed out therefrom, at the forward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit being underwound onto the reel so that it is wound on and payed out adjacent the base, a guide device at the forward end region of the base for guiding the conduit onto or from the reel, and a vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid and which can be propelled over a surface on which it stands, the vehicle including a pump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to pump apparatus for removing waterfrom a work site or a mine site.

The management of water at a work or a mine site, where excavation anddrilling operations take place, is a significant issue. Generally anywater at the work site is removed by the use of pumps. It is importanthowever that the region of the work site is not unduly cluttered withequipment and the pumps do not interfere with the drilling devices.Often the location of the water is some distance from the nearestlocation that the pump can safely be placed, requiring the use ofextended pump hose connections.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, embodiments are disclosed of pump apparatuscomprising a base having a forward end and a rearward end with alongitudinal axis extending in a direction between the forward andrearward ends, a power unit and a reel assembly operatively mounted tothe base, the reel assembly including a reel mounted for rotation abouta rotation axis which extends laterally with respect of the longitudinalaxis, a fluid conveying conduit operatively carried by the reel andadapted to be wound on or payed out therefrom at the forward end of thebase, the fluid conveying conduit being underwound onto the reel so thatit is wound on and payed out adjacent the base, a guide device at theforward end of the base for guiding the conduit onto or from the reel,and a vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid and whichcan be propelled over a surface on which it stands, the vehicleincluding a pump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveyingconduit.

In certain embodiments, when the vehicle is propelled out from theforward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit is payed outfrom the underwound reel along a line which is aligned with thelongitudinal axis, the guide device and vehicle.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle includes an endless flexible trackand associated wheels.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a propulsion drive forpropelling the vehicle.

In certain embodiments, the pump apparatus further includes a platformoperatively connected to the base at the forward end upon which thevehicle can stand. In certain embodiments the platform is pivotallymounted to the base so that it can be raised and lowered.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle includes a housing having aninterior space for receiving the pump therein. In certain embodimentsthe housing comprises a rigid frame having openings therein forproviding fluid access to the interior space.

In certain embodiments, the guide device comprises a main body which ismounted for lateral movement with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe base.

In certain embodiments, the pump apparatus includes a control stationwhich is remote from the vehicle for controlling the propulsion andsteering of the vehicle and the operation of the pump.

In certain embodiments the guide device comprises a main body, aplurality of rollers mounted to the main body and configured to providefor a guide path for the payout and retrieval of the flexible lines in apayout direction, a track and a carriage, the track being mounted to astructure and the main body being mounted to the carriage, the carriagebeing adapted to move along the track, the arrangement being such thatthe movement is in a lateral direction with respect to the payoutdirection, a drive assembly for causing movement of the carriage alongthe track, the drive assembly comprising a drive and transmission, thetransmission comprising a flexible transmission element, the carriagebeing operatively connected thereto.

In certain embodiments, the track comprises an elongated rod operativelymounted to the base and extending laterally with respect to the baselongitudinal axis and the carriage comprises a sleeve member mounted forsliding movement along the rod, the sleeve member being operativelyconnected to the main body of the guide device.

In certain embodiments, the transmission comprises a housing for theflexible transmission element the housing being operatively connected tothe track, the flexible transmission element comprising an endlesselement which passes around spaced apart wheels at least one of whichcomprises a drive wheel.

In certain embodiments, the main body comprises spaced apart side wallmembers connected together to form a rigid structure, the rollers beingdisposed in a space between the side members, the space and rollersproviding for the guide path.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and whichillustrate, by way of example, principles of inventions disclosed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the variousembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a pump apparatus according toone embodiment view from one side;

FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of the pump apparatus illustratedin FIG. 1 viewed from the other side opposite to the one side;

FIG. 3 is a first isometric view of a guide device according to oneembodiment which is suitable for use with the pump apparatus illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a second isometric view of the guide device illustrated inFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a third isometric view of the guide device illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 are detailed views of parts of the device illustrated inFIGS. 3, 4 and 5 those parts being circled in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a pump apparatusgenerally indicated at item 110.

The pump apparatus 110 comprises a base or chassis 120 which comprisestwo longitudinally extending, generally parallel spaced apart beams 121,122 which are interconnected by a series of cross-members by a baseplate, so as to form a rigid structure. The base or chassis 120 can forma skid which can be pulled over the ground on which it stands. In onearrangement the base 120 may be propelled by two endless belts or tracksthat pass over a number of wheels, or other traction drive systems tofacilitate movement over the ground. The base or chassis 120 isgenerally elongate in the direction of the longitudinal axis Y-Y and hasa forward end portion 123 and a rearward end portion 124 (in terms ofits in-use orientation, as will shortly be explained). The base 120 canalso be fitted with push bars and alloy wear plates in variousground-engaging locations to facilitate movement over hard rock materialwithout damage being caused.

The pump apparatus 110 further comprises a power unit 130 which includesa diesel motor which is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump (not shown).The diesel motor and hydraulic pump (not shown) are mounted to the baseor chassis 120 in a region towards the rearward end portion 124 thereof.Reservoirs are arranged adjacent the diesel motor and hydraulic pump forproviding storage for fuel for the diesel motor and hydraulic fluidstorage for the hydraulic pump and any associated hydraulic devices, aswill be hereinafter described. The diesel motor is arranged to drive thehydraulic pump which in turn draws hydraulic fluid from the reservoirwhich in turn provides hydraulic pressure for the operation of theassociated hydraulic devices. A canopy 135 provides a cover for themotor and pump.

The apparatus 110 further comprises a reel assembly 150 which isoperatively mounted to the base or chassis 120 for rotation about arotation axis X-X which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis Y-Y(FIG. 1). The reel assembly 150 comprises a reel 151 comprising sides152, 153 and a drum section 158. The reel 151 further includes bearings154, 155 operatively mounted to frame 159. The sides 152 and 153comprise a plurality of spoke-like members which extend from thebearings 154, 155 which terminate at a peripheral rim. A drive isadapted to rotate the reel 151. The drive includes a hydraulic motor anda transmission. A discharge pipe 168 is also provided for reasons whichwill become apparent.

The reel 151 is adapted to carry one or more flexible lines 138 at leastone of which is in the form of a conduit for the conveyance of water orslurry therethrough. There may also be a flexible line comprising one ormore service lines for the transfer of hydraulic fluid for example foroperating various associated hydraulic devices. The service lines may bedisposed within a further conduit. The conduits may be formed as aunitary body with a common side wall providing a cross-sectionalconfiguration in the form of a figure of 8. The conduits may alsocontain electrical cabling, for example to provide power for operating apump or a propulsion drive, as will be described below.

The apparatus further includes a vehicle 140 which is at least partiallysubmersible in fluid such as water or slurry. The vehicle 140 comprisesa vehicle body 141 having a pump 145 operatively mounted thereto thepump 145 in use being operatively connected to the conduits in theflexible lines 138 for pumping the fluid through the conduit, as well asreceiving the power for its operation. Fluid pumped from the pump 145when in use passes through the conduit and out via the discharge pipe168.

The pump apparatus further includes a propulsive drive for propellingthe vehicle 140 over the ground or surface on which it is positioned. Inone embodiment, the propulsive drive 143 is located on the vehicle andcomprises an endless drive track 144 and associated drive wheel 146 fordriving the track 144. Power for the drive 143 is drawn from the servicelines referred to above.

The vehicle 140 further includes a housing 147 having an interior space148 therein for receiving the pump 145. The housing 147 is in the formof a rigid frame structure with a number of openings 149 therein throughwhich fluid can pass.

The pump apparatus includes a platform 126 upon which the vehicle 140stands for deployment therefrom. The platform 126 is pivotally mountedto the forward end portion 124 of the base so that it can be raised andlowered as required.

The apparatus further includes a guide device 170 through which theflexible lines 138 pass as they are wound on or payed out from the reel151. The guide device 170 is positioned in the region of the forward endportion 123 of the base 120. In the embodiment shown the flexible lines138 are underwound on the reel 151 so that when the flexible lines 138are being payed out the vehicle 140, guide device 170 and flexible lines138 are generally horizontal or in line and aligned with thelongitudinal axis Y-Y of the base 120. The guide device 170 comprisesopposed side wall members 171, 172 which are spaced apart and which areconnected together to form a rigid frame structure 173 in the form of achannel or a cradle. The frame structure has open ends 175, 176 throughwhich the flexible lines 138 can pass. The guide device 170 furtherincludes a series of rollers 177, 178 and 179 which provide a travelpath for the flexible lines 138 between the rollers 177, 178 and 179.

The guide device 170 comprises a carriage 180 to which the frame 173 isoperatively secured. The carriage 180 is a sleeve 182 which, in the formshown, is a tubular member 183 which is generally circular when viewedin cross section. The guide device 170 further includes a track 185which is adapted to receive the carriage 180 so that the carriage 180 ismovable therealong. As shown the track 185 is in the form of anelongated rod 186 which in the form shown is generally circular incross-section, the sleeve 182 being slidably receivable thereon. As bestillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the track 185 is mounted on the base 120and extends laterally and preferably at right angles to the longitudinalaxis Y-Y of the base.

The guide device 170 further includes a drive assembly 190 for movingthe carriage 180 along the track 185. The drive assembly 190 comprises aflexible transmission element 192 to which the carriage 180 isoperatively connected. The transmission element 192 is in the form of anendless chain or belt 193 which extends around spaced apart wheels 194and 195 which in the form illustrated are sprockets. The wheels 194 arecarried by mounts 200 and 201 which are operatively connected to thetrack 185. A guard 202 at least partially surrounds the transmissionelement 192.

The drive assembly 190 further includes a drive 205 which in the formshown comprises a motor 207 operatively connected to one of the wheels194. The motor 207 may for example be in the form of a hydraulic motor.

One of the advantages of the arrangement shown in the preferredembodiment is that the length of hose on the reel can be significantlylonger than in previously known arrangements. In such prior artequipment, an extended hose deployed from the hose reel can becomeentangled when it is drawn back onto the reel. The use of a guide deviceallows the hose to be distributed evenly laterally across the width ofthe hose reel both while it is being deployed and retracted. This meansthat a larger width hose reel can be used, which in turn means that theoverall length of the hose can be significantly longer than in knownarrangements. In combination with the feature of the hose reel beingunderwound, the vehicle and pump can move easily in a line both awayfrom, and towards, the pump apparatus without causing entanglement ofthe hose, or uneven deployment of the hose off and back onto the reel.This leads to easier overall operation of the pump apparatus whendeployed at a mine site or work site.

In other embodiments the guide device may comprise a different framestructure to provide a travel path for the flexible conduit line, andmay also comprise a different carriage and track configuration. Thedrive assembly for moving the carriage along the track may also beconfigured differently to what has been described above.

In still further embodiments, the guide device can be in a static formrather than the slidably moveable form with a drive assembly asdescribed above. Such a fixed guide device may be shaped in a manner soas to guide the hose centrally onto and off the reel so that it isunentangled.

In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specificterminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, theinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includesall technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner toaccomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and“rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above”, “below”, “upper” and “lower” andthe like are used as words of convenience to provide reference pointsand are not to be construed as limiting terms.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (orinformation derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not,and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any formof suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) orknown matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field ofendeavour to which this specification relates.

In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its“open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limitedto its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. Acorresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words“comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of theinvention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changescan be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and notrestrictive.

Furthermore, invention(s) have described in connection with what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described abovemay be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspectsof one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment torealize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature orcomponent of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

TABLE OF PARTS

-   Pump apparatus 110-   Base 120-   Beams 121/122-   Cross members 125-   Forward end 123-   Rearward end 124-   Power unit 130-   Platform 126-   Canopy 135-   Reel assembly 150-   Rotation axis x-x-   Longitudinal axis y-y-   Reel 151-   Sides 152/153-   Flexible lines 138-   Drum section 158-   Frame 159-   Bearings 154/155-   Drive 160-   Motor 162-   Sprocket and chain mechanism 164-   Chain 165-   Sprocket 166-   Discharge pipe 168-   Guide device 170-   Side wall members 171/172-   Frame 173-   Open ends 175/176/177-   Rollers 178/179-   Carriage 180-   Sleeve 182-   Tubular member 183-   Track 185-   Rod 186-   Drive assembly 190-   Transmission element 192-   Belt/chain 193-   Wheels 194/195-   Sprockets 196/197-   Mounts 200/201-   Guard 202-   Drive 205-   Motor 207-   Vehicle 140-   Vehicle body 141-   Propulsive drive 143-   Endless track 144-   Drive wheel 146-   Housing 147-   Interior space 148-   Openings 149-   Pump 145

1. A pump apparatus comprising a base having a forward end region and arearward end region with a longitudinal axis extending in a directionbetween the forward and rearward end region, a power unit and a reelassembly operatively mounted to the base, the reel assembly including areel mounted for rotation about a rotation axis which extends laterallywith respect to the longitudinal axis, a fluid conveying conduitoperatively carried by the reel and adapted to be wound on, or payed outtherefrom, at the forward end region of the base, the fluid conveyingconduit being underwound onto the reel so that it is wound on and payedout adjacent the base, a guide device at the forward end region of thebase for guiding the fluid conveying conduit onto or from the reel, anda vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid and which canbe propelled over a surface on which it stands, the vehicle including apump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit. 2.The pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the vehicle ispropelled out from the forward end region of the base, the fluidconveying conduit is payed out from the underwound reel along a linewhich is aligned with the longitudinal axis, the guide device and thevehicle.
 3. The pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicleincludes an endless flexible track and associated wheels.
 4. The pumpapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes apropulsion drive for propelling the vehicle.
 5. The pump apparatusaccording claim 1, further including a platform operatively connected tothe base at the forward end upon which the vehicle can stand.
 6. Thepump apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the platform is pivotallymounted to the base so that it can be raised and lowered.
 7. The pumpapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a housinghaving an interior space for receiving the pump therein.
 8. The pumpapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the housing comprises a rigidframe having openings therein for providing fluid access to the interiorspace.
 9. The pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guidedevice comprises a main body which is mounted for lateral movement withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the base.
 10. The pump apparatusaccording claim 1, including a control station which is remote from thevehicle for controlling the propulsion and steering of the vehicle andthe operation of the pump.
 11. The pump apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the guide device comprises: a main body; a plurality of rollersmounted to the main body and configured to provide for a guide path forthe payout and retrieval of a one or more flexible line in a payoutdirection, the one or more flexible line at least comprising the fluidconveying conduit; a track and a carriage, the track being mounted to astructure and the main body being mounted to the carriage, the carriagebeing adapted to move along the track, the arrangement being such thatthe movement is in a lateral direction with respect to the payoutdirection; and a drive assembly for causing movement of the carriagealong the track, the drive assembly comprising a drive and atransmission, the transmission comprising a flexible transmissionelement, the carriage being operatively connected thereto.
 12. The pumpapparatus according to claim 11, wherein the track comprises anelongated rod operatively mounted to the base and extending laterallywith respect to a base longitudinal axis, and the carriage comprises asleeve member mounted for sliding movement along the elongated rod, thesleeve member being operatively connected to the main body of the guidedevice.
 13. The pump apparatus according to claim 11, wherein thetransmission comprises a housing for the flexible transmission element,the housing being operatively connected to the track, the flexibletransmission element comprising an endless element which passes aroundspaced apart wheels at least one of which comprises a drive wheel. 14.The pump apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the main bodycomprises spaced apart side wall members connected together to form arigid structure, the plurality of the rollers being disposed in a spacebetween the side members, the space and the plurality of the rollersproviding for the guide path.
 15. A pump apparatus comprising a basehaving a forward end region and a rearward end region with alongitudinal axis extending in a direction between the forward andrearward end region, a power unit and a reel assembly operativelymounted to the base, the reel assembly including a reel mounted forrotation about a rotation axis which extends laterally with respect tothe longitudinal axis, a fluid conveying conduit operatively carried bythe reel and adapted to be wound on, or payed out therefrom, at theforward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit beingunderwound onto the reel so that it is wound on and payed out adjacentthe base, a guide device at the forward end region of the base forguiding the conduit onto or from the reel, and a vehicle which is atleast partially submersible in fluid and which can be propelled over asurface on which it stands, the vehicle including a pump which isoperatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit; wherein when thevehicle is propelled out from the forward end region of the base, thefluid conveying conduit is payed out from the underwound reel along aline which is aligned with the longitudinal axis, the guide device andvehicle; wherein the vehicle includes an endless flexible track andassociated wheels; wherein the apparatus includes a propulsion drive forpropelling the vehicle; further including a platform operativelyconnected to the base at the forward end upon which the vehicle canstand; wherein the platform is pivotally mounted to the base so that itcan be raised and lowered; wherein the vehicle includes a housing havingan interior space for receiving the pump therein; wherein the housingcomprises a rigid frame lowering openings therein for providing fluidaccess to the interior space; wherein the guide device comprises a mainbody which is mounted for lateral movement with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the base; including a control station which isremote from the vehicle for controlling the propulsion and steering ofthe vehicle and the operation of the pump; wherein the guide devicecomprises: a main body; a plurality of rollers mounted to the main bodyand configured to provide for a guide path for the payout and retrievalof the flexible lines in a payout direction; a track and a carriage, thetrack being mounted to a structure and the main body being mounted tothe carriage, the carriage being adapted to move along the track, thearrangement being such that the movement is in a lateral direction withrespect to the payout direction; and a drive assembly for causingmovement of the carriage along the track, the drive assembly comprisinga drive and a transmission, the transmission comprising a flexibletransmission element, the carriage being operatively connected thereto;wherein the track comprises an elongated rod operatively mounted to thebase and extending laterally with respect to a base longitudinal axis,and the carriage comprises a sleeve member mounted for sliding movementalong the elongated rod, the sleeve member being operatively connectedto the main body of the guide device; wherein the transmission comprisesa housing for the flexible transmission element the housing beingoperatively connected to the track, the flexible transmission elementcomprising an endless element which passes around spaced apart wheels atleast one of which comprises a drive wheel; and wherein the main bodycomprises spaced apart side wall members connected together to form arigid structure, the plurality of the rollers being disposed in a spacebetween the side members, the space and the plurality of the rollersproviding for the guide path.
 16. A pump apparatus comprising: a base; areel assembly operatively mounted to the base and comprising: a reelmounted for rotation about a rotation axis and configured to carry afluid conveying conduit adapted to be wound on, or payed out therefrom,a guide device at the base for guiding the conduit onto or from thereel; and a vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid andwhich can be propelled over a surface, wherein the vehicle comprises apump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit.17. The pump apparatus according to claim 16, further including aplatform operatively connected to the base at the forward end upon whichthe vehicle can stand.
 18. The pump apparatus according to claim 17,wherein the platform is pivotally mounted to the base so that it can beraised and lowered.
 19. The pump apparatus according to claim 16,further comprising a guide device at a forward end region of the basefor guiding the conduit onto or from the reel.
 20. The pump apparatusaccording to claim 19, wherein the guide device comprises: a main body;a plurality of rollers mounted to the main body and configured toprovide for a guide path for the payout and retrieval of the fluidconveying conduit in a payout direction; a track and a carriage, thetrack being mounted to a structure and the main body being mounted tothe carriage, the carriage being adapted to move along the track, thearrangement being such that the movement is in a lateral direction withrespect to the payout direction; and a drive assembly for causingmovement of the carriage along the track, the drive assembly comprisinga drive and a transmission, the transmission comprising a flexibletransmission element, the carriage being operatively connected thereto.